EXPERT ADVICE
Meet the 2008 Scouts
We asked the 10 experts in our article, "Scouting Report 2008," to reveal their hard-earned lessons on tourist etiquette, approaching local cuisine, packing, and more. Here's how these travel pros responded.
Nat and Rachael Lopes
Cofounders of Hilride, a mountain-bike park and tourism consulting firm that's based in Berkeley, Calif. (hilride.com).
On traveling as a couple N: "We've learned not to underestimate the power of sleep deprivation and hunger while traveling with a partner. If you're hungry, you can be cranky." R: "And the power of sitting in the backseat. I might drive while he works in the back, and that extra three feet creates space."
More Travel Lessons From the Lopeses
Scouting Report: Wilson, Kansas
Alisa Grifo
Owner of Kiosk, a New York City-based store stocked with souvenirs from her travels (kioskkiosk.com).
On bargaining "I never talk people down on a price. If I feel someone is taking advantage of me, I just don't buy from him or her. In certain places, I always factor in a minor markup; after all we are not locals, and it's OK to pay more since, in these cases, we have more."
More Travel Lessons From Grifo
Scouting Report: Tanabe, Japan
John Chatterton and Richie Kohler
Scuba divers who inspired the books Shadow Divers and Titanic's Last Secrets (johnchatterton.com, richiekohler.com).
On attire "Quite often it sends a message, and if you are working with locals you can't afford to send the wrong one by mistake. Wearing shorts rather than long pants can have a huge impact."
More Travel Lessons From Chatterton and Kohler
Scouting Report: Weymouth, England
Budget Travel Real Deals
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